India-Canada Ties: After months of tense exchanges, Canada and India have solely simply begun easing again towards regular relations however it seems that Justin Trudeau’s succesor Mark Carney’s masks is falling off steadily. Canada’s latest choice to designate the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity beneath its Felony Code has raised eyebrows—not as a result of the motion was unjustified, however as a result of it highlights Ottawa’s selective strategy in coping with teams that straight threaten Indian pursuits.
The Bishnoi Gang, described by Canadian authorities as a “transnational felony group working primarily out of India”, has lengthy been concerned in homicide, extortion, arson, and intimidation. With important affect in diaspora-heavy areas, the group has created worry amongst communities and companies overseas.
By formally itemizing the Bishnoi Gang, Canada has empowered its legislation enforcement to freeze belongings, prosecute members, and curb recruitment or financing networks. On paper, it’s a transfer that strengthens safety. However in India, the choice has triggered a deeper debate—why such decisive motion towards Bishnoi, however continued tolerance for Khalistani extremist teams brazenly threatening Indian diplomats and neighborhood peace in Canada?
Ottawa’s Fast Motion In opposition to Bishnoi
Canada’s press launch was categorical: terrorism has no place in Canadian society. Public Security Minister Arif Virani and Minister of Range, Inclusion and Individuals with Disabilities, Gary Anandasangaree, emphasised that particular communities had been “focused for terror, violence and intimidation” by the Bishnoi Gang.
Underneath Canada’s anti-terror legislation, the designation permits police to grab property, freeze financial institution accounts, and cost anybody supporting or funding the gang. It even criminalizes dealings with group-owned property overseas. In idea, this sends a robust message of “zero tolerance.”
Deafening Silence On Khalistani Extremism
Paradoxically, whereas Ottawa moved swiftly towards Bishnoi, Khalistani extremists proceed to thrive beneath Canada’s watch. Solely hours after the Bishnoi designation, the Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued a direct risk to Indian Excessive Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik, asserting a $10,000 bounty for anybody who reveals his tackle.
This was not an remoted incident. In recent times, Hindu temples have been vandalized, Indian consulates attacked, and pro-Khalistan rallies brazenly endorsed violence towards India—all within the title of “freedom of expression.”
India, on its half, has lengthy labeled Khalistani teams as terrorist organisations beneath the Illegal Actions (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. Some key outfits banned by New Delhi embody Babbar Khalsa Worldwide (BKI), Worldwide Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Khalistan Commando Pressure (KCF), Khalistan Zindabad Pressure (KZF), Khalistan Liberation Pressure (KLF) and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
Regardless of repeated diplomatic protests, Canada has largely turned a blind eye to Khalistani extremism, typically sheltering it beneath free-speech protections.
Trudeau-Period Shadow
This selective motion underscores a sample that grew to become seen throughout Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure, when ties between New Delhi and Ottawa nosedived. From Trudeau’s controversial go to to India in 2018 to his public feedback final 12 months alleging Indian involvement within the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has repeatedly prioritized home political concerns over bilateral relations.
By appearing strongly towards Bishnoi whereas ignoring Khalistanis, critics argue Ottawa is enjoying comfort politics—concentrating on gangs that have an effect on Canadian communities straight, however remaining hesitant when extremist teams intersect with diaspora vote banks.
A Query Of Intentions
On the floor, Canada’s ban on the Bishnoi Gang is a step in the precise path. India itself has been cracking down on the gang, with legislation enforcement arresting its operatives and blocking monetary channels linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his community.
However the irony is stark: New Delhi and Ottawa are on the identical web page about Bishnoi, but stay poles aside on Khalistani extremism. If Canada is genuinely dedicated to combating transnational terror, why cease at one group and never apply the identical yardstick throughout the board?
Symbolism Or Sincerity?
The Bishnoi ban might make Canadian neighborhoods safer, however for India, it’s one more reminder of Ottawa’s duality. With out concrete motion towards Khalistani teams, Canada’s credibility as a accomplice in counterterrorism stays questionable.
Quickly after Canada designated the Bishnoi gang as a terror entity, the Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued a direct risk towards India’s Excessive Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik. The group introduced a $10,000 bounty for anybody who may disclose his residential tackle.
The risk comes regardless of Canada’s repeated inaction towards Khalistani extremists who brazenly challenge violent calls, vandalize Hindu temples, and even goal Indian consulates. Whereas Ottawa swiftly cracked down on Bishnoi, its silence on Khalistani teams as soon as once more exposes what critics name Canada’s enduring gentle nook for separatist outfits.
Till then, the Bishnoi designation could also be considered much less as a real counterterror step and extra as a symbolic gesture—a transfer that strengthens Canada’s home safety whereas doing little to fix the cracks in its troubled relationship with India.